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Vitamin C(L-ascorbic Acid)

From boosting radiance to helping diminish the signs of aging to antioxidant protection, Vitamin C is a highly efficacious skincare ingredient with a wide range of benefits.

What is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant that is key to the production of collagen and elastin in the skin. Because of its antioxidant properties, Vitamin C may help improve the negative effects of UV radiation in the skin. Vitamin C also promotes a healthy immune system, helps improve wound healing, maintains connective tissue, and aids in the absorption of iron. It also helps block some of the damage caused by free radicals which, over time, are largely responsible for the aging process.

Is Vitamin C good for your skin?

Yes. Vitamin C is key to the production of collagen and elastin in the skin and is the primary replenisher of Vitamin E, which protects cells against oxidative stress. Because of its antioxidant properties, Vitamin C may help improve the negative effects of UV radiation in the skin.

Is Vitamin C safe for all skin types?

Why does your skin need Vitamin C?

Just as Vitamin C is an essential part of your diet, it is also an important step in your skincare routine. The human body does not produce its own Vitamin C but relies on obtaining it through nutritional and topical applications, which help fight skin damaging free radicals that can lead to future signs of aging. Vitamin C has been known to have an anti-aging effect on skin by helping to improve deep lines, wrinkles, uneven skin texture, and dullness.

When should you start using Vitamin C?

Vitamin C levels deplete in skin over time, so using skincare products with Vitamin C is important as you grow older. However, these formulas are still effective to use as a preventive measure before you start to see fine lines and wrinkles. These formulas help boost radiance and provide antioxidant protection to help defend skin from early signs of aging.

What are the different forms of Vitamin C in skincare?

There are several different forms of Vitamin C that are used in skincare formulas. At Kiehl’s we use three different types in our of Vitamin C products: Pure Vitamin C, Vitamin Cg, and Activated C.

What is Pure Vitamin C?

L-Ascorbic Acid, or Pure Vitamin C, is a powerful skincare ingredient that easily absorbs into skin and begins working immediately. A dermatologist-recommended ingredient, L-Ascorbic Acid is frequently used in anti-aging skincare products to improve radiance and skin texture while helping to diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet. Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate is formulated with 10.5% Pure Vitamin C.

What is Vitamin CG?

Vitamin Cg, or Ascorbyl Glucoside, is a potent derivative of Vitamin C that provides antioxidant protection and helps to minimize the visible signs of aging. It can be found in our customer-favorite Facial Fuel Energizing Moisture Treatment for Men

What is Activated C?

Activated C is a next-generation Vitamin C derivative that is highly efficacious. Within our formulas, this powerful form of Vitamin C penetrates skin’s surface and is known to help fade dark spots and skin discolorations. Activated C is a key ingredient in Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution.

Are Vitamin C and L-Ascorbic Acid the same?

You may have heard people use the term L-Ascorbic Acid when referring to Vitamin C. L-Ascorbic Acid is a form of Vitamin C also known as Pure Vitamin C. L-Ascorbic Acid is not the only type of Vitamin C, at Kiehl’s we also use Vitamin Cg and Activated C within our formulas. While they have overlapping benefits, Pure Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) is absorbed into skin and starts working immediately upon contact while Vitamin Cg (Ascorbyl Glucoside) activates once absorbed into the upper layers of skin to boost Vitamin C activity over time. Kiehl’s Vitamin C formulas effectively incorporate a form of topical Vitamin C that is carefully selected to maximize its targeted efficacy.

What is the best form of Vitamin C for your skin?

They all are! At Kiehl’s, we believe Vitamin C is best when you use multiple forms of it, as each works at different levels of the skin to get the best results. That way you get the most out of your Vitamin C products to make skin look more radiant, smooth, and even-toned.

Does Vitamin C help lighten dark spots?

Photodamage and acne can lead to dark marks appearing on the skin’s surface. These are caused by an increase in melanin production to the affected areas. In our formulas, White Birch Extract and Activated C help to visibly correct dark spots over time. Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution, which features both ingredients can be used all over or on specific dark marks to help correct discolorations for visible skin tone clarity.

Is Vitamin C good for aging skin?

Vitamin C is a very beneficial ingredient for aging skin. Its ability to help protect the skin’s outermost layers from the free radical damage that can cause premature signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles, is one of its most powerful preventative benefits. When used with other key anti-aging and hydrating ingredients, Vitamin C can help minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles over time. Powerful Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate, a 12.5 percent Activated Vitamin C serum that also features Hyaluronic Acid, provides skin with a plump, smooth appearance with less visible fine lines.

How is Kiehl’s Vitamin C different?

Can too much Vitamin C be harmful?

While it may seem like a higher level of Vitamin C would be better, these formulas can actually cause sensitivity or be less effective if they are not stabilized properly. When products have concentrations of L-Ascorbic Acid that are too high, skin can even experience irritation. Kiehl’s selects the best forms of stabilized Vitamin C at concentrations that are both efficacious and gentle. Our products are then dermatologist-tested for safety, demonstrating the suitability of our formulas for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Does Vitamin C help protect against the sun?

Topical Vitamin C has been demonstrated to be a second line of defense against harmful UVA rays while also helping to bolster skin’s antioxidant defenses.